ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Transcript

1 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Monthly Bulletin JULY/AUGUST 2017 Inside this issue: From Father Anthony Greek Message Calendar Donations/Sacraments Parish News President s Corner Philoptochos The Transfiguration of Our Lord Youth News Bookstore Church Services Saturday Great Vespers 6:00pm Sunday Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:45am Weekdays Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Μ 6:00 8:30 9:45 The Dormition of the Theotokos 9:00 10:00

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Presbyter Anthony Evangelatos George Stavropoulos, Chanter Kristina Yepez, Choir Director Ona Calogrias, Organist PARISH COUNCIL Executive Board Nicholas Babanikas, President George Panagoulopoulos, 1st Vice President Administration William Alexopoulos, 2nd Vice President Maintenance Joanna Stellakis, Secretary Gianna Tiliakos, Treasurer Stephanie Calogrias, Assistant Treasurer Members of the Board Konstantina Boutas Dino Constantinou Ted Ntakoulas Nick Palantzas Leon Papadopoulos Stephen Passias Ilias Potsis Themi Stamboulidis Adamandios Zouroulidis PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY Executive Board Pegi Ciulla, President Tina Boutas, Vice President Penny Kazis, 2nd Vice President Anne-Marie Horne, Recording Secretary Erlinda Anthony, Treasurer Lori Stasiewski, Assistant Treasurer Heidi Barbas, Advisor Members of the Board Ana Manos Despina Papadopoulos Ethel Savas Father Anthony Liz Karolemeas Sophia Terzakis S OTHER MINISTRIES Sunday School Penny Buterbaugh John Nenopoulos Phyllis Westcott Greek School Ioanna Andreopoulou Katerina Tsiantoulas Tina Boutas GOYA Jon Buterbaugh JOY & HOPE Barbara Mantalos Gianna Tiliakos OPA! Group Pegi Ciulla Koliva Ladies Philoptochos Coffee Hour Tina Boutas Shut-In Visitations Ladies Philoptochos Basketball Stephen Passias Dance Group Jon & Penny Buterbaugh Oratorical Festival Rhoda Economos Bookstore Pegi Ciulla Linda Sakelaris Poole Stephen Savas Joanna Stellakis Webmaster George Theodossiou

3 Beloved in Christ, As we enter the season of summer, we leave behind us the beautiful and spiritually uplifting period of Great Lent, Holy Pascha, and the great feasts of the Ascension of our Lord and Holy Pentecost. Amazingly, this lengthy liturgical season covers a period of 18 weeks, just over one-third of the calendar year. This particular liturgical period renews us annually for yet another year in our spiritual lives. However, since its end usually occurs just before summer, there exists the danger of losing the spiritual momentum we have just gained. Since summer is a time for relaxation, vacationing, perhaps even a lighter work schedule, we must resist the temptation of taking a spiritual vacation as well. As we all know, our Orthodox Church does not have a slow period without much happening. There are only two months of the year July and October that do not have a major feast of the Lord or the Theotokos, however, both months still have many feast days of major saints of our Church. Even though we begin to wind down in mid-june when the academic year typically ends, our spiritual focus should remain in tune with the Church s calendar. As soon as we take leave of the feast of Holy Pentecost and the celebration of the Sunday of All Saints, we immediately commence the fast of the Holy Apostles, one of the four major fast periods of the liturgical year. As I ve explained in the past, this fast can vary in length since it is dependent upon the date of Pascha. During the period of Pascha we continually read from the Acts of the Apostles, hearing all about the early history of the Church. The fast of the Holy Apostles is well-timed by offering a period of fasting and spiritual reflection regarding the sacrificial works of the Holy Apostles, for the benefit of the Church and all of us. This fast prepares us for the feast of St. Peter and Paul on June 29 th, immediately followed the next day by the feast of the Holy Twelve Apostles. A second period of heightened spiritual focus each summer is the dekapentavgousto the fifteen days from August 1 st through the 15 th dedicated to the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God. Being that the Word of God made flesh came to us through the human vessel of the Theotokos, it behooves us to uphold this spiritual season with sincere devotion. This fast is stricter than that of the Holy Apostles, mimicking Great Lent and Holy Week. Enveloped within this fast period is also the celebration of the great feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord. This is a bright and glorious feast that brings us great spiritual joy. In the midst of summer s heat and vacation time, we are again asked by the Church to sharpen our spiritual focus during these 15 days, and to make a sacrifice pleasing to God through our fasting. FROM FATHER ANTHONY Along with the special observances mentioned above, we must also remember that our weekly obligation to attend the holy liturgy on Sundays continues throughout the summer. Whether on vacation domestically or internationally, there s always a good chance of having an Orthodox church of one of the various jurisdictions close by. When we travel to Greece there is never an issue of finding a church to attend. In fact, in Greece we also have the wonderful opportunity of visiting many places of pilgrimage, besides attending regular church services. Clearly, we all need to periodically withdraw from our daily routines and get away to enjoy time with our families, especially during the summer. The Church knows and accepts this reality, which also applies to the clergy. At the same, the Church also seeks to keep her children spiritually focused throughout the year. Through proper prioritization of our lives, we can try our best to keep ourselves spiritually focused, even when away on vacation. Our daily prayers should not be neglected, and our Wednesday and Friday fasting can still be incorporated, as well as the observance of the two summer fast periods mentioned above, as best as possible. Unfortunately, throughout our Archdiocese there exists the sad reality that many families stop attending church as soon as the Sunday School year is completed. This approach to church life is perplexing since the liturgical year of the Orthodox Church runs from September 1 st through August 31 st, and not parallel to the secular academic year. We must stop and consider the message given to our children by abruptly stopping church attendance from late May through mid-september. It can give the impression that Sunday School is of higher importance than participation in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays, which should be the other way around. Beloved in Christ, please accept what I have written as a loving and fatherly admonition for the spiritual benefit of all. I realize that there are many exemplary parishioners who attend church year-round except when away or ill. I m also aware that many of our families try to be frequent with church attendance to the best of their ability. Our prayer is that we all be together as one family in Christ throughout the year except for necessary exceptions. We need each other s prayers whether in church or praying at home, and of course, no less so during the summer months. May you all have a restful and spiritually rewarding summer season! In Christ s love, +Fr. Anthony

4 REFLECTIONS ON THE HOLY TRANSFIGURATION FROM FATHER ANTHONY (The following is taken from The Year of Grace of the Lord, by A Monk of the Eastern Church; St. Vladimir s Seminary Press, 1992.) The second great feast of the summer is the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is celebrated on August 6 th Let us now try to consider some aspects of the gospel account of the Transfiguration Jesus takes his three most intimate disciples with him. Sometimes God reveals Himself to sinners in an extraordinary way, but in general, the privilege of contemplating God, and of entering into the joy of the Transfiguration is reserved for those who have followed the Master long and faithfully. Jesus leads His disciples to a high mountain. Before attaining the light of the Transfiguration, the hard path of asceticism is necessary. Jesus normal appearance is changed. His face shines as the sun. His clothes become white as the light. It is in this that the Transfiguration consists. The Jesus that the disciples knew well and whose looks, in ordinary life, did not differ radically from those of other people, suddenly appears to them in a new and glorious form Next to Jesus appear Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the law. Elijah the prophets. Jesus is the fulfilment of all law and of all prophecy. He is the final completion of the whole of the Old Covenant; He is the fulness of all divine revelation. Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus of His coming Passion. Usually, not enough attention is paid to this aspect of the Transfiguration. In Jesus life, the glorious mysteries cannot be separated from the mysteries of suffering. It is when He is preparing to go to His Passion that He is transfigured. In our own life, we shall not enter into the joy of the Transfiguration unless we accept the Cross The bright cloud covers the heights of the mountain. From the midst of it a voice is heard to say: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. The same words, or very nearly, had already been spoken by the same voice at Jesus baptism. They give the scene of the Transfiguration its whole meaning. Why does Jesus appearance change? Why is He clothed in light? This is not simply in order to provide the apostles with an impressive and comforting sight. It is to transmit outwardly the solemn testimony which the Father bears to His Son. And the Father Himself gives a practical conclusion to the vision: Hear ye Him. Any out-of-theordinary grace is effectual only if it makes us more attentive and more obedient to the divine Word The mystery of the Transfiguration has yet another aspect which the scriptural texts for the feast do not indicate clearly, but which the liturgical chants underline. To show the transformation of human nature at Thy Second and fearful Coming Saviour, Thou didst transfigure Thyself O Thou, who has sanctified the whole universe by Thy Light These words, which are sung at matins, allude to the cosmic and eschatological nature of the Transfiguration. The whole of nature which now suffers the consequences of sin, the source of physical ills will be freed, renewed, when Christ comes in glory at the end of time. This transformation of the world is suggested to our belief, to our hope, and to our expectation SPIRITUAL WISDOM Whatever we do or gain in this world, let us consider it insignificant in comparison to the eternal wealth that is to come let us reach for the Divine! We have enjoyed the light in this world; let us long for the sun of righteousness! Let us regard the heavenly Jerusalem as our homeland Let us live prudently in this world that we may obtain eternal life. (St. Syncletica of Alexandria) Just like a shadow follows a body, so does temptation follow good deeds for no one will enter the Kingdom of Heaven without temptation. Thus, endure without anxiety and pray the good Lord will reward you for your diligence and patience. (St. Dorotheos of Gaza) The Apostles maintained this rule: not to complain in suffering and adversity, but bravely and patiently to accept whatever things happen in this world We must bear whatever happens with patience and courage. For it is written, A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a heart that is contrite and humbled God will not despise (Psalm 50:17). (St. Cyprian of Carthage) Prayer is the language of the next world. Sooner or later, we will have to live in that world. When we go to another country to live there, we must speak their language. In order to learn the language of the age to come, we must pray. (St. Sergei of Vanves) Take no greater care than to correct your will and inward disposition. In this consists all the power of Christian piety. (St. Tikhon of Zadonsk) Hail to you forever, O Virgin Mother of God, our unceasing joy You are the pearl of great price that belongs to the Kingdom; the fate of every victim, the living altar of the Bread of Life. Hail, O treasure of the love of God. Hail, O fount of the Son s love for man. (St. Methodios of Olympus) Do not confuse man, the image of God with the wickedness that is in him, for the wickedness is only accidental, his misfortune, a sickness, an illusion of the devil; but his being, the image of God, still remains. (St. John of Kronstadt)

5 FROM FATHER ANTHONY FROM THE LIVES OF THE SAINTS St. Markella of Chios 7/22 This holy lamb of Christ was born in a village on the island of Chios. Her mother having died, she was brought up by her father. As she grew older, she also grew in virtue, her body shining with the purity of her soul. The Devil, jealous of such radiant virtue, tried to overcome her with impure thoughts, but the Saint easily repulsed every temptation by the power of the Cross. The Prince of Darkness then turned his attention to her father, and provoked in this worldly man of little faith an impure desire for his own daughter. Having let such thoughts germinate in his soul, he began to suggest unworthy propositions to the young girl who, troubled by such impudence, fled from the village and took refuge on the mountain. This defeat, far from cooling his ardour, only increased her father s maddened desire, so that like one possessed, he set about searching her out up hill and down dale. Seeing him approach, Saint Markella ran towards the sea and hid in a large bush; yet she was unable to escape her father s notice and he, being unable to reach her in the bush, set fire to it. She dodged him by taking another route and began to run along the seashore on the rocks. As her father could not catch up with her, he fired an arrow at her which wounded the blessed Saint, but did not stop her from continuing her desperate flight. Realizing that her strength was beginning to fail, she sent up a prayer to her heavenly Spouse, begging Him to come to her aid. The Lord immediately made a rock break into two, which received the Saint, just as had happened in the case of Saint Thecla in former times (24 Sept.). When her father arrived and was not able to drag her from the rock, he cut off his daughter s breasts and then beheaded her and threw her head into the sea, by his despicable acts thus opening to her the gates of the heavenly court, where the wise virgins accompany the Bridegroom. From the rock that sheltered the Saint there flowed a clear stream with healing virtues which had the property of covering the pebbles with a reddish film called the holy blood by the local people, who hastened to make pilgrimage to the place. They collected the pebbles and scraped them, putting the scrapings into jars and using them for the treatment of all kinds of sicknesses. The Saint appeared many times, dressed in monastic clothing and seeming to rise up from the sea, to the sick who had come to spend the night in the church that had been built over the place where the bush had stood. The Holy Apostle Matthias 8/9 Saint Matthias, whose name means gift of God, was, it is believed, of a distinguished family from Bethlehem. He was among the disciples who followed the Lord from His Baptism to His saving Pasion. After the Ascension, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem and remained in the Upper Room, persevering with one heart in hymns and prayers while awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit. There were about a hundred and twenty of them: the Mother of God, the eleven Apostles, the Lord s brothers (cousins), His disciples from the very first days, and the women who had faithfully followed Him right to the tomb. At that time, Peter got up in the midst of the assembly and declared that, since Judas had been excluded from their communion and had received the punishment for his betrayal, it was right that another disciple be given his place, and become with them a privileged witness of His Resurrection. Joseph Barsabbas, named Justus, and Matthias, were presented. As they were judged equally worthy, the Apostles raised this prayer to God: Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of men, show which of these two Thou hast chosen that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by his transgression fell (Acts 1:24-25). They drew lots, and Matthias was elected by Providence to complete the number of the Twelve Apostles, the symbol of perfection. After Pentecost, he went to preach repentance and the conquest of the passions by the observing of the evangelical commandments, first in Palestine and then, it seems, as far as Ethiopia, where he suffered martyrdom. HOLY DORMITION FAST BEGINS 8/1 As we all know, the first fourteen days of August comprise a fast period in honor of the Holy Theotokos, as spiritual preparation for the feast of her Holy Dormition on the 15 th. This fast is a mini-version of Great Lent, so the guidelines are identical. Following we offer the Church s guidelines for those who wish to follow the fast to the full extent, or as a starting point for those unable and need to follow to a lesser extent. Strict fast from all animal products throughout, including fish* Fast from wine (all alcoholic beverages) and olive oil on weekdays (it s permissible to substitute vegetable/seed oil) Wine and olive oil permitted on Saturdays and Sundays *Fish is permitted on the feast of the Transfiguration, 8/6. Shellfish is permitted daily throughout the fast. Let us honor the Holy Mother of God through our fasting, remembering her constant intercession on our behalf. Most Holy Theotokos save us!

6 JULY CALENDAR

7 AUGUST CALENDAR

8 Εκοιμήθη εν Κυρίω ο Μητροπολίτης Σικάγου Ιάκωβος ΝΕΑ ΥΟΡΚΗ Η Ιερά Αρχιεπισκοπή Αμερικής πενθεί για την εις Κύριον εκδημία του Σεβασμιωτάτου Μητροπολίτου Σικάγου κυρού Ιακώβου ο οποίος απεβίωσε χθες το εσπέρας 2 Ιουνίου 2017 στο Νοσοκομείο Weiss Memorial Hospital του Σικάγου μετά από ξαφνική και σύντομη ασθένεια. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος με βαθιά θλίψη ανήγγειλε χθες το βράδυ εκ μέρους της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου την εκδημία του αγαπητού Ιεράρχου Μητροπολίτου Σικάγου Ιακώβου. Σύμφωνα με το άρθρο 12, του Καταστατικού Χάρτη της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής, ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος, κατόπιν συνεννοήσεως με την Ιερά Επαρχιακή Σύνοδο, όρισε τοποτηρητή τον Σεβ. Μητροπολίτη Ντιτρόϊτ κ. Νικόλαο έως την εκλογή διαδόχου. Μετά την αναγγελία του θανάτου του Μητροπολίτου Ιακώβου ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος δήλωσε: «Με την εκδημία εις Κύριον του αειμνήστου Μητροπολίτου Σικάγου κυρού Ιακώβου, η Εκκλησία στην Αμερική στερείται ενός επιφανούς Ιεράρχου, γνωστού για την μεγάλη μακροχρόνια προσφορά του στο λαό του Θεού. Με τον μεταστάντα Ιεράρχη με συνέδεε μακρά φιλία από την εποχή που είμεθα φοιτηταί στην Θεολογική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών στα χρόνια μετά τον Β Παγκόσμιο πόλεμο. Ήδη από την εποχή εκείνη ο αοίδιμος Ιεράρχης διεκρίνετο για την έντονη ευλάβειά του, για το εκκλησιαστικό ήθος του και την ιδιαίτερη αγάπη που έτρεφε προς τις ιερές ακολουθίες της Ορθοδόξου λειτουργικής παραδόσεώς μας. Πάντοτε ευγενής στους τρόπους, έτοιμος ν ακούσει τα προβλήματα, τις απογοητεύσεις και τους πόνους αναρίθμητων ανθρώπων, δεν εδίσταζε να διαθέτει άφθονο χρόνο για παροχή ποιμαντικής βοηθείας θεραπευτικής αγωγής και πνευματικής καθοδηγήσεως του ποιμνίου του. Καθ όλη την διάρκεια της διακονίας του ως Μητροπολίτου Σικάγου υπήρξε πάντοτε παρών, χωρίς εξαίρεση και όντως ακούραστος σε όλες τις εκδηλώσεις της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής τόσο της Ιεράς Επαρχιακής Συνόδου όσο και των πολλών Κληρικολαϊκών συνελεύσεων. Τον ενθυμούμαι ιδιαιτέρως κατά την κοινή θητεία μας ως μελών της Αγίας και Ιεράς Συνόδου του Οικουμενικού μας Πατριαρχείου λόγω των συνετών, μελετημένων και εποικοδομητικών παρεμβάσεων του στη διάρκεια μακρών συνεδριάσεων, πράγμα το οποίο είχε ιδιαιτέρως εκτιμήσει ο Παναγιώτατος Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης και πρόεδρος της Συνόδου κ.κ. Βαρθολομαίος. Διηκόνησε με πιστότητα και αφοσίωση στον Θεό και την Εκκλησία Του μέχρι τις έσχατες ημέρες της μακράς ζωής του παρά το ότι τελευταίως αντιμετώπιζε ηυξημένα θέματα υγείας. Η υψηλή αρχιερατική προσφορά του αειμνήστου αδελφού Μητροπολίτου Σικάγου κυρού Ιακώβου έχει χαραχθεί ανεξαλείπτως στη μνήμη του πληρώματος της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής, το οποίο δέεται εκτενώς υπέρ μακαρίας αναπαύσεως της ψυχής του επιφανούς και προσφιλούς Ιεράρχου. Αιωνία η μνήμη αυτού καθώς αναπαύεται μετά των δικαίων και των αγίων». Ο Μητροπολίτης Σικάγου Ιάκωβος υπηρέτησε την Ελληνορθόδοξη Εκκλησία στην Αμερική για σχεδόν 50 χρόνια. Γεννήθηκε στην Αθήνα το 1928 όπου ολοκλήρωσε τις εκγύκλιες σπουδές του. Στη συνέχεια ενεγράφη και αποφοίτησε από τη Θεολογική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και χειροτονήθηκε διάκονος και πρεσβύτερος. Υπηρέτησε από διάφορες θέσεις στην Αρχιεπισκοπή Αθηνών μέχρι το 1954 και αργότερα ήρθε στις Η.Π.Α. και έκανε μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στη Βοστώνη, υπηρέτησε ως εφημέριος στην περιοχή της Βοστώνης, ενώ παράλληλα δίδαξε στη Θεολογική Σχολή του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Τον Φεβρουάριο του 1968 ορίστηκε από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Ιάκωβο Αρχιερατικός Επίτροπος της 7ης Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφερείας με έδρα το Ντιτρόιτ. Ένα χρόνο αργότερα, το 1969 εξελέγη επίσκοπος από την Αγία και Ιερά Σύνοδο του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου. Χειροτονήθηκε Επίσκοπος Απαμείας (βοηθός Επίσκοπος του Αρχιεπισκόπου Ιακώβου) στις 25 Δεκεμβρίου 1969 και διορίστηκε ως επίσκοπος πλέον της 7ης Αρχιεπισκοπικής Περιφερείας με έδρα το Ντιτρόιτ. Το 1971 διορίστηκε Πρόεδρος του Ελληνικού Κολεγίου Θεολογικής Σχολής του Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Μπρούκλάϊν της Μασαχουσέτης, ενώ παράλληλα και κατά τη διάρκεια της πενταετούς θητείας του στη Θεολογική Σχολή Τιμίου Σταυρού είχε και τη διοικητική ευθύνη της περιφερείας του Ντιτρόιτ και της περιφέρειας Νέας Αγγλίας-Βοστώνης. Μετά την αναδιοργάνωση των Αρχιεπισκοπικών Περιφερειών σε επισκοπές, ο Επίσκοπος Ιάκωβος ενθρονίστηκε από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Β. & Ν. Αμερικής Ιάκωβο ως Επίσκοπος Σικάγου την 1η Μαΐου 1979, στον Καθεδρικό Ναό του Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου στο Σικάγο. Τον Νοέμβριο του 1997, η Αγία και Ιερά Σύνοδος του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου εξέλεξε τον Επίσκοπο Ιάκωβο Μητροπολίτη Κρήνης και έξαρχο Ιωνίας και πρόεδρο της Επισκοπής Σικάγου. Τον Δεκέμβριο του 2002 η Αγία και Ιερά Σύνοδος του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου ανύψωσε τις Επισκοπές της Ιεράς Αρχιεπισκοπής Αμερικής εις Μητροπόλεις και εξέλεξε όλους τους Ιεράρχες των Επισκοπών ως Μητροπολίτες των αντιστοίχων Μητροπόλεων, συνεπώς και ο Μητροπολίτης Κρήνης Ιάκωβος εξελέγη Μητροπολίτης Σικάγου.

9 DONATIONS DONATIONS AS OF JUNE 13, 2017 MEMORIALS Christina Juris $1,690 Nicolas Davilas $350 Bertha Weinberg $450 Mr. and Mrs. Nondas Gioulis $15 Mr. and Mrs. James P. Mihos $100 Mrs. Georgia Tasho $50 Mrs. Liberty Perdikis $50 Demetrios Lambrakis Mrs. Sophia Lambrakis $200 Christy Mihos Mrs. Pauline Pappas $35 Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hebshie $200 Fotis & Katina Tsianakas Mr. and Mrs. Christos Tsianakas $100 Effie Milonas Mrs. and Mrs. Christos Tsianakas $50 Nicholas Targontsidis Mrs. Eleni Targontsidis $100 Elias Papadopoulos Mrs. Panagiota Papadopoulos & Family $100 OTHER DONATIONS Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hebshie $500 Greek Flag Dr. and Mrs. Dino Constantinou American Flag Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaos Passias 2 cases Altar Candles Mr. and Mrs. Ilias Potsis IMO Areti Potsis Waters/Juices for coffee hour Mr. and Mrs. Chris Coutsoumbos FLORAL DONATIONS Transfiguration Icon Dr. and Mrs. Dino Constantinou June 11th May 24th May 31st June 14th Dormition of Theotokos Icon Mrs. Penny Kazis IMO Anargyros Kazis Dormition of Theotokos Iconostasion Icon Mr. and Mrs. Sotirios Costarellos SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS Yanna, daughter of Peter & Madaline Davos who was given the name Ioanna Sponsor: Yiannis Davos FUNERALS Nicolas Davilas Sarah Pappas Tina Smiliotopoulos May their memory be eternal Please note that all sacraments and funerals that take place from late June through mid August, will be included in the September bulletin PARISH NEWS 2017/2018 Floral Needs Following is a list for the decoration of icons on all major feast days of Christ and the Theotokos. This is a blessed way to participate in these major feasts of the Church for the health and well-being of your families, or in blessed memory of a loved one. Please note that the cost for decorating an icon is $60. To sponsor the decoration of one or more of these festal icons, please call the office directly during the week. Feasts of Christ & the Theotokos ($60) 1/6/2018 Holy Theophany 2/2/2018 The Presentation of Our Lord We thank all our donors in advance, and ask God s blessings upon them. Please note that as usual, donors will be acknowledged in the bulletin at the appropriate time.

10 PARISH NEWS FATHER CHRIS & PRESVYTERA KRISTEN KOLENTSAS We are delighted and honored to inform you that our own Chris Kolentsas was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, May 14 th, and to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, June 11 th, by Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francsico. The ordinations took place at St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, Ca where he has been assigned for the past many months as pastoral assistant. We extend our congratulations to Fr. Chris, Presvytera Kristen, and the entire Kolentsas family. To honor both of his ordinations, our parish has gifted Fr. Chris a personal sized blessing cross that he can use for house blessings, and hospital and nursing home visitations. Panta MINISTRY AWARDS BANQUET HONORING MR. & MRS. SAM PSYCHOS

11 PARISH NEWS Dear Parishioners, PRESIDENT S CORNER On behalf of Father Anthony, and the Parish Council, I hope that you and your families have a safe and fun filled summer. More often than not, during these summer months life becomes a series of obligations, outings and vacations. Let us be mindful that the Church needs to continue to be a cornerstone in our lives. We should try and make every effort to attend church during the summer months and give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all the good things He provides us with, for He remains watching over us. In past bulletins, I have informed you about projects undertaken by the Parish Council with the assistance of Stewards and/ or organizations within our parish. These individuals and/ or organizations have greatly assisted our church by dedicating their time, talents, and/or treasures when our parish needed it the most. Just recently, Stewardship was hard at work again! A heartfelt thank you to the Lingos Family Trust for their generous donation. This spirit of giving in the form of stewardship enabled us to pay for the cost of a brand new commercial dishwasher, which will help service our annual September festival and other events that we have throughout the year. Thank you also to The Ladies of Philoptochos and President, Pegi Ciulla, for overseeing the purchase and installation of the dishwasher. We are truly grateful. This is true stewardship at its finest! I'm pleased to report that the Parish Council over the past six (6) months has been working diligently to identify the current needs of the church. Recently, they voted to undertake five (5) new restoration/beautification projects at our church. The goal is to have them completed by the end of August. They are as follows: 1. Complete the final stage of the roof restoration project near the dome area. 2. Relocate the outside dome lights so future damage is not caused to the roof membrane. 3. Repair and caulk the windows around the dome as well as have them slightly tinted. 4. Complete the fencing of a portion of the playground area. 5. Complete the build out of a storage unit in the back of the church in order to house the festival equipment, thereby freeing up necessary storage space inside the church. The cost associated in completing these projects will be approximately $33, As you may recall, in the past I informed you of the creation of our new maintenance reserve account established earlier this year by the Parish Council. Currently, we have approximately 330 Stewards in our parish. I am hopeful each family of Stewards will consider making a donation of $ above and beyond your yearly stewardship pledge to help defray the costs for this latest undertaking. By EVERYONE making a small additional contribution to the maintenance reserve account we take the burden off the small group of Stewards that have given generously in the past for prior projects. The Parish Council and I are reaching out to you, the Stewards of our parish for your financial assistance with these short term goals that in turn will reap long term rewards for all of us as a community. Together we can make positive strides in beautifying, preserving, and strengthening our church. As you know our biggest and most important fundraiser of the year is our four (4) day festival. This year it will be held on Thursday September 14, 2017 through Sunday September 17, It is my hope that all the Stewards of our church will commit to helping us make this year s Food Festival an all time best, both in enjoyment and profitability. Needless to say, we cannot be successful without you. As such, we will have sign-up sheets at the coffee hour and in the office for you. There are so many ways to help. I encourage and welcome all of you, both young and old to come forward and join our family of volunteers in Christian fellowship. Please consider signing up and committing some of your time and talent to our upcoming September 2017 festival. "A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love." - Saint Basil Respectfully yours, Nicholas H. Babanikas Parish Council President July 11th PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS September 12th November 14th August (No meeting) October 10th December 12th

12 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, BROCKTON, MA 2017 STEWARDS YTD MAY 10th, 2017 Aftosmes, Mrs. Anastasia Cotter, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Joseph, Mrs. Louise Palantzas, Mrs. Vasiliki Aftosmes, Mrs. Thalia Coutsoumbos, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Juris, Mr. & Mrs. John Panagiotopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Alexiou, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Covett, Mrs. Helen Kalivas, Mrs. Eftyhia Panagopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Alexis, Mr. & Mrs. George Covett, Ms. Katherine Kallianidis, Mr. Milton Panagoulopoulos, Mr. George Alexopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Christos Covett, Mr. Robert Kallis, Mrs. Nikoletta Panico, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Aloupis, Mr. George Critikos, Ms. Athena Kampanelas, Ms. Paris Papadimopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Anastos, Mr. Nicholas Dalkouras, Mrs. Cleo Kazis, Mrs. Penelope Papadogianakis, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Anifantis-Ibrahim, Mrs. Stamatia Davos,, Mr. Yiannis Kearns, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Papadopoulos, Dr. Andrea Antoniou, Mr. & Mrs. George DeBaggis, Mr. & Mrs. Romolo Konstatilakis, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John Antoniou, Mrs. Irene Deeb, Paul & Elaine Kyranos, Mr. & Mrs. Christos Papadopoulos, Ms. Maria Antonopoulos, Mr. Vaios DeliGeorges< M. & Mrs. George Kyranos, Mr. & Mrs. George Papadopoulos, Mrs. Panagiota Argyropoulos, Mrs. Bessie Demetriades, Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Lainas, Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Babanikas, Mrs. Katerina Demos, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Lainas, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Papakonstantinou, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantine Babamikas, Atty. & Mrs. Konstantinos Dinopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John Lapsley, Ms. Sofia Papas, Mr. Matthew Babanikas, Atty. & Mrs. Nicholas Economos, Ms. Irene Lenton, Mrs. Maria Papigiotis, Mrs. Alexandra Bandis, Mr. Michael Economos, Mrs. Voulas Lingos-Webb, Drs. Tania & Drew Pappas, Mrs. Georgia Barrus, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Efremidis, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Liolios, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Pappas, Mrs. Pauline Bartorelli, Mrs. Bessie Ellard, Ms. Anastacia Livanis, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Passias, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Bellas, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Ellinas, Mr. Lambro Loiacono, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Passias, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Bellas, Mr. & Mrs. Elias Evangelatos, Fr & Mrs. Anthony Lucas, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Perdikis, Mrs. Liberty Besarick, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Ferguson, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Lupo, Mrs. Georgia Petropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Alkie Bloumbas, Mr. George Figueiredo, Mrs. Christina Lymberopoulos, Mrs. Eleni Petropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Bloumbas, Mr. & Mrs. James Fisher, Mrs. Jean Manos, Mr. & Mrs. Sarantos Petropoulos, Mrs. George Bloumbas, Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Gagne, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Maranian, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Phillips, Mrs. Demetria Bokas, Mr. Charles Georgantas, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Marathas, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Pishkin, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bosco, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Georgeu, Mrs. Phyllis McAllister, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Potsis, Mr. George Boutas, Mrs. Fotine Giannakoulis, Mrs. Patricia Mihos, Mr. & Mrs. James P. Potsis, Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Bulgaris, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Giannaros, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Mitchell, Dr. George Potsis, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Buterbaugh, Mr. & Mrs. Jon Giannouloudis, Mr. Tom Mitoulis, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Poulimeni, Mrs. Argyro Buterbaugh, Mrs. Niki Ginis, Mrs. Evlambia Morosas, Mr. Christopher Pouliopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Fotios Capernaros, Mr. Phillip Ginis, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Mroz, Mr. & Mrs. Marcin Psilekaris, Ms. Theodora Cariofiles, Mrs. Demetra Giolis, Mr. & Mrs. Nondas Nanos, Mr. & Mrs. Odesseas Psilekaris, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Castle, Mrs. Cleo Grantso, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Nenopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John Psychos, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Cleary, Mrs. Elizabeth Habib, Mrs. Violet Nicholaides, Mr. & Mrss. Harry Regas, Mr. Charles Coderre Jr., Mr. Ferdinand Hasouris, Mrs. Alexandra Nickandros, Mr. & Mrs. George Sakelaris Poole, Mrs. Linda Colarusso, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Hasouris, Mr. Phillip Nickolaou, Mr. James Sarantopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Conley, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Hatzidis, Ms. Kyriaki Nikopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Haralampos Sarantou, Mr. Nicholas Constantinou, Dr. & Mrs. Chris Hatzinikolaou, Mr. & Mrs. Alex Ntakoulas, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Sarras, Mr. Nicholas Constantinou, Dr. & Mrs. Dino Holevas, Mrs. Helen Odierno, Mr. & Mrs. Randy Savas, Mr. Irakli Costas, Mr. & Mrs. George Jaramillo, Mr. & Mrs. Sergio Orphanos, Mr. & Mrs. John Savas, Mr. & Mrs. Spyros

13 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, BROCKTON, MA 2017 STEWARDS YTD MAY 10th, 2017 Savas, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Sever, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sharkey, Mr. & Mrs. Siamantouras, Ms. Ann Sideropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Siogros, Mr. Steve Skenas, Mrs. Jeanette Smiliotopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Smiliotopoulos, Mrs. Tina Spyropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Stavropoulos, Miss Evangelia Stavropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Stellakis, Ms. Joanna Sullivan, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Syrniotis, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Syrniotis, Ms. Vasiliki Tasho, Mrs. Georgia Theofilou, Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Theofilou, Mrs. Maria Thompson, Mrs. Jane Tiliakos, Ms. Gianna Tiliakos, Ms. Ragen Tsarhas, Mrs. Ourania Tsarhopoulos, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Tsianakas, Mr. & Ms. Christos Tsilis, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Tsionis, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Tsionis, Ms. Stacy Tsitso, Ms. Anna Twomey, Ms. Thelma Velissaris, Mrs. Dimitrios Velissaris, Mr. & Mrs. George Veiga, Mr. & Mrs. Derek Venuto, Mr. & Mrs. James Vintzileos, Mr. James Vlahopoulos, Mrs. Anastasia Weinberg, Ms. Merri Westhaver, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Whowell Family Yataines, Mrs. Ann Yiankos, Mrs. Elizabeth Yiotopoulos, Mr. Steven Zaros, Mr. James Zouroulidis, Mr. & Mrs. Adamandios Zouroulidis, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Annual Food Festival Fall General Assembly Parish Council Elections Election of Officers and Oath of Office MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT DONATIONS YTD MAY 10, 2017 Mr. and Mrs. George Alexis $1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Babanikas $500 Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Bulgaris $100 Dr. George Mitchell $5,000 Mr. Christopher Morosas $200 Mr. and Mrs. Ilias Potsis $200 Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sedell $10,000 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Westhaver $25 Mr. James Zaros $ CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday School Christmas Pageant New Year s Eve Celebration Thursday, Sept. 14th to Sunday Sept. 17th Sunday, November 12th Sunday, December 10th Sunday, December 17th Sunday, December 17th Sunday, December 31st

14 YOUTH NEWS SPECIAL REQUEST REGARDING OUR YOUTH We are fortunate to have a large number of children and teenagers in our parish. For the past many years we have had a very active GOYA chapter ministering to our teens. Unfortunately, we have not been as successful with our JOY/HOPE group that ministers to the grammar school ages. Regarding GOYA, we only have one adult member advising the entire group, whereas the JOY/ HOPE group has two adults involved. Regarding the JOY/HOPE ministry, we unfortunately have seen very little interest in the events that have been offered. The influence of the Church on this age group is major. This particular arm of youth ministry can help solidify our children s faith and love of the Church along with everything else we offer, while at the same time providing fun and fellowship. This ministry can only continue to exist and flourish through more active participation of families with children in this age group. The advisors could also use some help in the planning and preparation for the various events offered. Please consider stepping up for our children s sake! Regarding GOYA, this ministry should really be broken into separate junior and senior groups, since it spans both middle and high school ages. To do this successfully we need another advisor for the junior group. Presently, this all falls on the one GOYA advisor, which is too much for one person. In order to enhance this ministry going forward, we really need to address the need for two distinct groups, as well as the need for one or more new advisors. GOYA To echo what Father Anthony noted, we are in need for additional help with our GOYA. I have been fortunate to have been able to help our GOYA these past few years. During that time we have continued what our past GOYAs have done, including organizing service projects, contributing to our surrounding community, bringing our kids together to make new friends thru the social activities (dances, MBC ). There is more that we can do for our kids. As Father Anthony noted we are looking to give our younger GOYANs some needed attention. Having a Junior Advisor (a former GOYAN or a young adult) would be a big plus for us. In addition adding a few adults (parents/ past GOYANs) to the team is also needed to help keep our GOYA going. I would like to schedule a time during the Summer to meet with anyone who is interested in helping us. So, please reach out to us and let us know if you are interested. CONGRATULATIONS to our Greek School Graduates Michael Babanikas and Cassie Passias For more information regarding these groups and their specific needs, please see the appropriate entries on our youth page.

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16 Annual Food Festival Volunteer Sign Up Form Name Telephone # I can work in any department where I am needed for the days and shifts that I have checked below. Work Area Anywhere Anywhere Anywhere Time Period I would prefer to work only in the departments for the days and shifts that I have checked. Please Check Boxes for Shifts that you can work Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Work Time Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Area Set Up Set Up Set Up Registers Registers Registers Food Line Food Line Food Line Gyro Booth Gyro Booth Gyro Booth Bar Bar Bar Pastry Booth Pastry Booth Pastry Booth Loukoumathes Loukoumathes Loukoumathes Kafenio Booth Kafenio Booth Kafenio Booth Period 1 pm 3 pm 3 pm 5 pm 5 pm 8 pm

17 Annual Food Festival Volunteer Sign Up Form Name Telephone # Work Time Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Area Raffle Booth Raffle Booth Raffle Booth Grill Grill Grill Kitchen Kitchen Kitchen Trays/Tables Trays/Tables Trays/Tables Period Breakdown & Cleaning 6 pm 9 pm Please return the completed form to the Church Office as soon a possible so that we can begin the scheduling process. Note: If you sign up for the registers, there will be a 1/2 hour training session on Wednesday at 5:00 pm which everyone needs to take in order to volunteer at that section.

18 Dear Parishioners and Friends of the Annunciation Church: FESTIVAL NEWS Our Annual Greek Festival is fast approaching and we have been planning for months to improve our offering to the public and our profits for our Parish. We are hopeful that all Parishioners will come out in large numbers to volunteer with the cooking, set-up and working during our 4-day festival. Without the support of all Parishioners, we could not achieve success as we have in prior years. We certainly understand that due to family and job commitments not everyone can be there as often as other Parishioners, who have more flexibility in their lives. We ask that everyone also consider providing some financial support by contributing to the cost of food products and supplies that we must purchase for our festival. We are not asking that you donate the actual items, as we will shop around for the lowest price but rather we are seeking a cash donation to offset our cost. We have prepared a list of the products that you can contribute to with a cash donation. We have detailed our requirements below so please review our needs and select as many categories as you would like. Not all items have been listed yet these are the most important items. Please use this form by checking the My Choice column or list your needs on a separate paper and send it, together with your check payable to: Annunciation Greek Church, 457 Oak Street, Brockton, MA We will begin purchasing these products in early July, so please respond as soon as you are able to. Your generous donation will be noted in the Monthly Bulletin and other Festival News information and banners. Thank you for considering our request. Item Description Donation Estimated Number of Quantity Cost Donors Needed Fresh Chicken Tenders 100 pounds $250 5 Fresh Boneless Leg of Lamb 70 pounds $ Fresh Whole Chickens 100 pounds $100 1 Fresh Pork Tenderloins 100 pounds $275 2 Fresh Ground Hamburg 100 pounds $300 4 Gyro Cones 2 cases $300 9 Tsatziki Sauce 5 cases $150 3 Mousaka 5 cases $500 7 Pastichio Ingredients 25 trays $350 5 Rice - 25 pound bags 22 bags $225 1 Spanakopita Swirls 5 cases $275 5 Galaktoboureko 10 trays $300 4 Milfai 200 units $350 3 Pita Bread 5 cases $150 3 Dinner Rolls 100 Dozen $200 2 Granulated Sugar 80 Pounds $100 2 Flour 200 Pounds $150 5 Philo Dough 8 cases $400 1 Wesson Oil 5-Gallon Containers 35 units $275 1 Fresh Large Eggs 100 Dozen $200 2 Spinach Frozen Chopped 120 pounds $200 1 Walnuts Chopped 50 pounds $200 3 Fresh Cottage Cheese 60 pounds $150 5 Green Beans - #10 Cans 10 cases $150 3 Cucumbers 8 cases $175 1 Iceberg Lettuce 12 cases $350 3 Fresh Tomatoes 10 cases $275 2 Red Onions 6 cases $150 1 Cucumbers 8 cases $175 1 Dinner Plates 3 Compartment 8 cases $250 2 Salad Containers 8 cases $250 1 Silverware Packets 10 cases $275 3 Trash Bags 4 cases $150 1 General Donation for Expenses $ General Donation for Expenses $ General Donation for Expenses $50 40 My Choice My Donation

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20 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 457 Oak Street Brockton, MA Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Brockton, MA Permit No. 258 Phone Fax We re on the Web! BABANIKAS, ZIEDMAN & KING, P.C Belmont Street Brockton, MA Phone (508) Fax (508) Nicholas H. Babanikas Stephen S. Ziedman John J. King Konstantinos J. Babanikas Thomas J. Dinopoulos* Praven Shenoy Louis debenedictis Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes *Also admitted to Rhode Island and Florida Richard T. Mallen Of Counsel Boston Office 27 School Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA (617) New Bedford Office 355 Union Street New Bedford, MA (508) Concentrating in: Personal Injury Law - Social Security - Workmen s Compensation Wills & Trusts - Product Liability - Real Estate Law